Credit Union Foundation of BC helps RRU students when “life happens”

When unexpected setbacks happen, it’s reassuring to know you have a community behind you. 

That’s exactly why the Credit Union Foundation of BC has invested $5,000 into the Royal Roads University Life Happens Bursary.

“We hear from students that say, ‘It gave me such a boost to know that somebody cares about my education and values it enough that they wanted to support me,’” says Nicole Eich, Credit Union Foundation of BC Program Manager. “It’s important for students to know that there are programs out there that can lift them up, and that there are people behind them that care about their success.”

For when life happens

Created by a former staff member and alum Doug Ozeroff, the Life Happens Bursary emergency fund provides one-time payments of $500 to $1,000 to students dealing with unforeseen challenges that could jeopardize their education. The investment from the Credit Union Foundation of BC will help ensure more grants are available when they are needed most.

“I can only imagine what a relief this emergency funding would be, if you’re a student trying your best to make your way through school,” Eich says of the importance of the fund. “If something unexpected pops up, that extra support can mean the difference between being able to finish that semester or having to pull back and delay your studies.”

Community roots, community support

Established in 1958, the Credit Union Foundation of BC is funded by BC credit unions and provides bursaries to students who reflect credit union and co-operative values and who face barriers to completing their post-secondary education. That support comes in two ways: through bursaries to support tuition costs at BC post-secondary schools – including the Credit Union Pioneers Memorial Bursary at Royal Roads – and additional targeted granting.

“Credit unions provide banking services and serve communities all across the province,” Eich says. “Our bursaries and support for post-secondary education have that same province-wide reach.”

Reviewing funding applications, the Foundation noticed emerging trends. 

“We definitely saw students struggling with mental health coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic and changes in the way students are experiencing school,” Eich says. “And of course, the cost of living is such a barrier to education. There are a ton of students coming to us saying, ‘This is just almost impossible to do.’”

That’s why the Foundation deliberately sought out grant opportunities that help students manage unexpected life costs. The Life Happens Bursary was a perfect fit, Eich says. 

Giving Gratitude

The impact of supporting students’ education shines through in the thank you cards the Foundation receives. 

“We will have students say, ‘Thank you. What you have done for me is amazing, and when I am able, I want to be a donor so I can support students in the way that you have supported me,’” Eich says.

Image by nialyz from Adobe Stock